HELSINKI — The leader of NATO has confirmed the initiation of a new mission aimed at safeguarding undersea cables in the Baltic Sea area.

This operation is a response to growing concerns over the security of critical infrastructure in the region, which plays a pivotal role in global communications and data transmission.

The protection of these cables, essential for internet connectivity and other vital services, has become a priority amid increasing geopolitical tensions and threats to such infrastructure.

As part of this undertaking, NATO will enhance surveillance and monitoring efforts to prevent any potential sabotage or attacks on these undersea installations.

The Baltic Sea has been noted as a strategic area, and NATO’s commitment to ensuring the security of its waters highlights the alliance’s broader objective to protect its member states from hybrid threats.

This newly launched initiative emphasizes the importance of collaboration among NATO member nations to address prevalent security challenges in the region effectively.

The operation is expected to bolster confidence in the security framework that underpins transatlantic relations while simultaneously sending a clear message against any actors who may seek to disrupt or damage critical undersea infrastructure.